Bad news from the pest control world: Atlanta has moved up in the ranking of America’s top cities for bed bug infestations. The metro Atlanta region ranks 16 this year, which is up 3 spots from the 2016 list. Here’s what Acworth homeowners need to know about bed bugs.

5 Things You Need to Know about Bed Bugs

They’re a major problem. Hotels aren’t the only places that deal with bed bug infestations. Homes, apartments, dorm rooms, office buildings, and even local transit can become infested with these pests.

They like cities (but live in the country, too). Bed bugs can thrive almost anywhere, from crowded city hotels to clean, rural homes. Why do they have a reputation as city-dwellers? Bed bugs incidents are three times as common in cities because close-quarters living makes it easier for them to spread.

They’re tough. Think leaving your mattress in the cold overnight is enough to kill a bed bug infestation? Think again. They can survive in temperatures from around freezing to 122 degrees. Professional pest control is the only sure way to contain a bed bug infestation.

They’re sneaky. Try to catch a glimpse of them in daylight, and they’ll hide in boxsprings, picture frames, electrical switchboards, and any other crevice they can find. They’re lured out at night by the temptation of a tasty bite while you’re asleep.

They’re subtle. Bed bugs have saliva with an anesthetic quality, making bites almost pain-free. You may notice red marks on exposed skin after you wake up.